EXTRA help is now available for people struggling with debt.

Hope Central is committed to bringing hope and relieving poverty in Cheshire East.

The charity provides a free debt centre service to people manage their finances.

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Knutsford Town Council has donated £4,685 towards the recruitment of a debt coach so more residents can access the service.

Knutsford mayor Cllr Peter Coan said “Supporting those in the greatest need in our community is incredibly important to Knutsford Town Council.

“The work that Hope Central does can change lives.

“We’re proud to be funding them to help support more people in our town.”

As well as operating a foodbank, Hope Central has a strong success rate for helping people into work and volunteering placements through its Job Club.

A Fresh Start course supports people to quit life-controlling habits.

Hope Central is based at St Cross Church on Mobberley Road.

Around 20 people come every Monday for a free lunch and the chance to meet people in the community.

The charity also runs a life skills course, teaching people how to live well on a budget, using money saving techniques and cooking skills.

Director of Hope Central Kay Barker said she was thrilled to receive the grant and said it will make a difference to Knutsford residents.

Kay said: “We have seen first-hand the darkness debt can cause in peoples’ lives.

“We have had the joy of working with people and seeing the difference in people as they become debt free.

“This money will enable our debt centre to expand and help more people in Knutsford who are struggling with debt and will give them hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Barney Howard, debt centre manager at Hope Central, said: "People around the country are struggling with rising costs and being on a low income, many people can’t respond to this.

“Knutsford is no different.

“It eventually leads to people being in poverty.

“We are so grateful for this funding so that we can bring hope to people and that there is a solution if they are in debt.”

Anyone in debt can call freephone number 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with a debt coach.

If you or anyone you know is in need of an emergency food parcel, you can be referred to Hope Central’s Food Bank by a social care professional, such as a GP, housing officer, support worker, social prescriber, social worker and school.

This grant was awarded under the council’s large grant scheme which provides grants of more than £1,500.

Applications are considered annually with the next deadline at the end of August for grants paid in April 2025.